Seventeen-year-old Tae’Sean D. Bartkowiak of Jackson, Michigan, died after being shot in the head on June 4, 2025, at a residence on Peacock Walk in Blackman Township. A student at Northwest High School, he played football and basketball, worked at McDonald’s to support his son, and was known for his warm smile and time spent with family and friends. Tae’Sean remained hospitalized for nearly three weeks before succumbing to his injuries on June 27, 2025.

A longtime friend, 22-year-old Julian Anthony Powell, was at the residence that day. A witness reported Powell appeared intoxicated and was handling a revolver carelessly, poking Bartkowiak with it before the weapon discharged. Powell admitted to firing the gun and told investigators he was attempting to purchase marijuana from Bartkowiak and that the shooting was accidental. He has been charged with second-degree murder and a felony firearm offense and is being held in the Jackson County Jail on a $1 million bond while the preliminary hearing awaits the final autopsy report.

Does anyone who knew Tae’Sean or was in that area on June 4 have information that could help clarify what happened?